When it comes to a new summer jersey, the main thing to remember is that you’re best off opting for a technical fabric that wicks sweat away from the skin and dries rapidly to keep you comfortable and cool (see our buyer’s guide for other things to look for when buying). Women get the best choice of style and design with a range of vests and cropped tops on offer from most of the large manufacturers, but men have to search a bit harder to get away from the ordinary or classic styled jersey. Luckily there are a couple of companies that offer technical vests for those who want to avoid the classic cyclist’s tan, but there’s definitely a gap in the market here!

With no shortage of summer jerseys new on the market, here are a few which have caught our attention.

Scott’s Jasper Endurance Jersey
Price: £39.99
Web: www.scottusa.com
Contact: 01670 712129

Sizes: S-XXL

The Jasper Enduance Jersey is from Scott’s Endurance bike wear range, a close fitting and well proportioned jersey that moves and breathes as your body needs. The polyester fabric is fast drying and wicks away sweat quickly, the high collar is useful if it gets a bit chilly but can be opened easy thanks to the large grab zipper pull.

The plain white colour scheme with grey side panels is stylish and a sensible choice for summer riding where a dark coloured jersey can cause overheating. (If UV exposure concerns you then check out the UV Protective Kejim shirt that Scott make.) The classic jersey styling has two good size rear pockets for the usual luggage and spares you need to carry on a typical road ride.

Nike Sphere Climbers Jersey
Price: £34.99
Web: www.nikecycling.com
Contact: Trek – 01908 282626
Sizes: S-XL

Nike has a full range of cycling jerseys with highly technical fabrics and stylish designs. The Sphere Climbers Jersey has a highly stretchy fabric for a close fit for serious performance.

The Sphere’s dry fabric has a 3-D structure, rather like honeycomb and prevents the fabric touching the skin and clinging, this creates small pockets of air between the fabric and skin and allows for rapid drying and wicking of sweat, thereby keeping you dry and comfortable. Side panels running from underarms to the hem are stretchy mesh fabric to allow further ventilation and airflow, helping to keep you cool on long, hot climbs.

A three-quarter length hidden zip gives masses of scope for ventilation if needed and there are three good size pockets on the rear for spares, food and bottles.

Pearl Izumi Sleevless Jersey
Price: £31.99
Web: www.rawexperience.com
Contact: Raw Experience – 0131 440 2010
Sizes: S-XL

It seems that men have little choice when it comes to styles of jerseys, but Pearl Izumi have filled part of that gap with their Sleeveless Jersey. Made with Ultrasensor fabric that transfers moisture rapidly away from the skin to help keep you dry and comfortable even on the toughest day in the saddle, the rear has Ultrasensor Mesh for total ventilation and airflow.

The sleeveless design has been popular with off-roaders in the past but this jersey has a more traditional close fit for performance riding, there’s even a hidden 50cm zip on the front and three handy back pockets for storage. You can choose from 5 colour combinations, from subtle grey/black to bright and cheery yellow/black.

RCUK rating: 9/10 – A high-tech short sleeved jersey, perfect for warm days in the saddle

Cannondale Y Not Vest
Price: £42
Web: www.cannondale.com
Sizes: P, S, M, L, XL

Cannondale have a huge range in women’s clothing and not all of it looks like cycle specific clothing, the clever designs include the Y Not Vest with its built-in bra and clean, stylish shaping. The vest is constructed from stretchy and absorbent fabric that flexes and with your every move for total comfort, inside the bra provides support and absorbs sweat keeping you dry thanks to the fabric’s rapid drying properties.

The Y-shaped back looks casual and sporty and even looks great off the bike too, there’s a small but handy pocket tucked in the rear, just big enough for a tool or spare tube. Why not get some sun on your shoulders this summer, make the most of it while it lasts, or as Cannondale says, “Y-Not”?

RCUK rating: 8/10 – A multipurpose and stylish vest ideal for action sports and biking

Sugoi Irona Narrow Tank
Price: £34
Web: www.sugoi.ca
Sizes: XS-XL
Sugoi have taken the UK by storm with their huge clothing range at good value for money prices and top-notch quality. Not only is the Irona a great looking vest, it’s also made from a technical fabric that allows serious riding and can wick and breathe as well as other more traditional looking cycling jerseys.

The built-in bra is made from supportive mesh fabric and a wide elastic chest band for support, it has high degree of breathability and wicking properties. This is followed through into the vest fabric, the interior has a brushed finish and wicks sweat away from skin quickly, the shoulder straps are nice and wide to give additional support for the integrated bra and a comfortable fit.

RCUK rating: 8/10 – Funky and technical, a vest that supports and looks good too.

Author’s pick

For women it’s a real tough one, with so much choice and variety out there, but we especially like the fit and style of the Sugoi Irona Vest, the integrated bra was very supportive and comfortable.

Men get less choice in shape and design but there are many technical fabrics and jerseys to choose from. If you like the classic styling, we’d recommend you check out the Pearl Izumi Sleeveless jersey and get some nice brown arms this summer without having to compromise on technical fabrics or features.